Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health

Alan Phillips, a patient from Jefferson Health in New Jersey, knew his cancer care couldn't wait for the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Masked, sanitized, and ready to go, he continued his chemotherapy treatments during a time when many patients chose to avoid the hospital setting for fear of the coronavirus. Alan says he felt safer in the hospital than he did in most places in the community. His treating physician, Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, medical oncologist from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, said this continuation of care could mean a world of difference in his outcome.    The National Cancer Institute forecasts 10,000 additional deaths from breast and colorectal cancer over the next 10 years due to failure in receiving care. Hear more from Alan on what his experience was like and why it's important to seek the necessary medical care you need, even during this time of uncertainty.   Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more content on the coronavirus, like a patient's guide to going to the doctor during the pandemic and a story from a Jefferson patient who had surgery for thyroid cancer during the coronavirus.   Also, read an article with insight from Dr. Ana Maria Lopez. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital Facebook.

Jefferson Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Anna Marie Chang became sick with the coronavirus in mid-March 2020. In this episode, she tells the story of her symptoms worsening, the isolation of the hospital room as a patient, and using her experience to rally efforts toward convalescent plasma donation.   Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more content on the coronavirus, like a patient's guide to telemedicine during the pandemic and information about plasma donations from coronavirus survivors at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Blood Donor Center. Also, read the commentary from Dr. Chang about her experience.   Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter, @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and @JeffersonHospital Facebook.

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyone. Our societal norms of interacting with each other are being interrupted and our daily schedules are upended. Dr. Bruce Meyer, President of Jefferson Health, talks about how kindness and compassion, hand-washing and sanitizing, and self-care are all key in making sure we work together as a society to fight this. He addresses social distancing (why do we need it?) and flattening the curve (what is this curve and why does it need to be flat?).    Check out TheHealthNexus.org for more stories on the coronavirus, like how telemedicine is playing a big role, how the mobile testing sites work, and more information about the importance of flattening the curve.   Also, read more from Dr. Meyer. He and other experts from Jefferson Health answer more questions about the coronavirus and offer a call to action for Philadelphia.   Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter and @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and Facebook.

Drs. Sallie Cho and Paulina Gorodin-Kiliddar join Jefferson Cardiology after their practice at Drexel Medicine closed as a result of the nearby Hahnemann University Hospital closure. They recount the emotional toll the closure took on each of them as well as their patients. Hear what's next for them at Jefferson and their tips for a healthy heart. Read the commentary on The Health Nexus co-written by Drs. Cho and Gorodin for more on their story:https://thehealthnexus.org/mending-broken-hearts/ For more stories from The Health Nexus on the impact of the closure of Hahnemann University Hospital: https://thehealthnexus.org/tag/hahnemann/ Visit TheHealthNexus.org for more articles on cardiovascular and heart health articles. Follow Jefferson Health @TJUHospital on Twitter and @JeffersonHealth on Instagram and Facebook.

If you’re not in the health care industry, it may come as a surprise to learn that patient-facing staff can encounter violence in the workplace. This episode tells the story of one nurse’s frightening experience and what Jefferson and Strongline are doing to create a safer environment for health care workers.

This episode of The Health Nexus Podcast highlights someone who is key to Jefferson’s future: Jefferson Health President Dr. Bruce Meyer. Hear about his big ideas… and his big family.

There are 21,000 babies born in Philadelphia every year. With the closure of Hahnemann University Hospital, many mothers would turn to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for their deliveries. The support and love felt strongly throughout the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department helped brace them for the increase in patients.

When Hahnemann University Hospital announced its closure in the summer of 2019, many post-graduate trainees in their residencies and fellowships were left questioning their futures. One psychiatry fellow, Dr. Adam Sagot, tells the story of how he landed at Jefferson.

Located only one mile away from Hahnemann University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia saw an uptick in patients when Hahnemann closed the doors to its emergency room in the summer of 2019 as part of its overall closure. Hear from hospital president Rich Webster and staff members from the department on what that experience was like.

Seeing blood in your stool can be stressful. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial. Gastroenterologist Dr. Lucy Joo joins the podcast to explain the possible causes of bloody stool, from hemorrhoids and anal fissures to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Dr. Joo breaks down how lifestyle habits, such as prolonged phone use in the bathroom, can impact gut health and contribute to issues like hemorrhoids. Dr. Joo also shares her expert tips for improving gut health, including the importance of fiber, hydration and stress management. Resources: Bloody Stool: Is It Colon Cancer or Is It Something Else? Trust Your Gut: How Gut Health May Be Affecting Your Cancer Risk Prebiotics versus Probiotics for Gut Health: What’s the Difference? How Stress Is Affecting Your Gut Health—and What You Can Do to Manage It

When it comes to improving heart health, there are simple, science-backed ways to strengthen your heart right from home, according to Dr. Matthew Delfiner, a cardiologist who specializes in advanced heart failure, transplant cardiology, and pulmonary hypertension at Jefferson Health. In this episode, learn about why being sedentary is so bad for your health, how small changes, like standing more and moving throughout the day, can make a big impact and the recommended "dose" of exercise for heart health. Plus, Dr. Delfiner discusses the number one lifestyle change that can have the greatest impact on your heart health. Resources: American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 How Stress Affects the Heart + Why You Should Never Shovel Snow If You’re Over 45 Years Old Cardiologist Discusses Unassuming Warning Signals From Your Heart, Heart Disease and Preventative Medicine

In this episode of the podcast, Janine Kyrillos, the director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Weight Management Program, explains why weight loss is so complex, detailing how factors like evolution, genetics and modern lifestyle challenges contribute to the struggle many people face. She also provides a comprehensive breakdown of weight loss medications, including who qualifies for these medications, what role lifestyle changes play in achieving sustainable weight loss and how to manage potential side effects. Resources: Podcast episode: Why Bariatric Surgery Might Be the Key to Long-Term Weight Loss Weight Loss Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Method Is Right for You? Intermittent Fasting Can Lead to Muscle Loss, But It Doesn’t Have to – Here’s Why

Dr. Dallal is an expert in bariatric surgery and the enterprise physician lead for bariatric surgery at Jefferson. In this episode, he shares his insights on why losing weight is so difficult for many people, the science behind obesity, and how bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for those struggling with weight loss. Dr. Dallal explains the physiological and environmental factors that make weight management challenging and discusses how surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy help people regain control over their health and wellbeing. Dr. Dallal also debunks common myths surrounding obesity and weight loss, sheds light on the importance of treating obesity as a disease rather than a personal failure. Tune in to learn about the different types of bariatric surgeries, recovery expectations, and how these procedures can improve quality of life, prevent serious health conditions, and even extend life expectancy. Resources: ‘I Wish I Had Done This Years Ago’: Lauren’s Transformative Journey With Gastric Sleeve Surgery 'I Feel Like I Have My Life Back': One Patient's Journey to Reclaiming Her Health and Happiness Through Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Method Is Right for You?

What is this type of cancer? Will I be in pain? How is that pain going to be managed? Will I need help at home? Can I still work while being treated? What is the survival rate? These are just a few of the questions most people have after being diagnosed with cancer. Getting this diagnosis is extremely difficult, for both the person with cancer and their family and friends. Staying informed and supportive through this medical journey is critical. Where you decide to receive treatment is just as critical. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Chapman, the director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and a practicing geriatric oncologist, about comprehensive cancer centers and how advanced, multidisciplinary care leads to better patient outcomes. We also connected with nurse practitioner Tintu George about a new program at Jefferson called Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care, which allows recently diagnosed patients to connect with oncology clinicians via telehealth in 48 hours or less. She discusses top questions/concerns newly diagnosed cancer patients typically ask and the variety of sources of support patients should consider, from financial counseling to support groups.   Resources: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care Empowering through Experience: A Breast Cancer Patient’s Path from Diagnosis to Advocacy

In this episode, infectious diseases expert Dr. John Zurlo returns to the podcast to provide essential updates on the latest COVID-19 booster. As we move into the fall season, Dr. Zurlo shares crucial information about whether you should consider getting the updated COVID booster and how to time your flu shot this year for maximum protection. Dr. Zurlo also offers a reminder on what to do if you test positive for COVID, including common symptoms and treatment options. Plus, he provides an update on long COVID, including what symptoms to look out for and how to best advocate for yourself if you think you might have it. Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one million women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in the United States experience menopause each year. Yet, understanding its symptoms and treatment pathways remains a mystery for many. “For every woman, it's an individual journey,” explains Dr. Robyn Faye, a gynecologist and a certified menopause practitioner through the Menopause Society. “I think some women think that their journey is going to be really easy and they're shocked at how difficult it can be. For some women, it's only going to be some hot flashes and some night sweats. For some women, it's just going to be the period is going to change and it's going to stop. And for some women, it's going to be over a hundred different symptoms.” Dr. Faye joins the podcast to provide a comprehensive overview of menopause. She discusses the different stages, symptoms, and treatment options, emphasizing the unique experiences of each woman. Dr. Faye also highlights the importance of open communication and finding support during this transitional period.   Resources: Jefferson Health Wellness Webinar: Let’s Talk About Menopause Women’s Health Initiative Study: The Women’s Health Initiative Hormone Therapy Trials: Update and Overview of Health Outcomes During the Intervention and Post-Stopping Phases Additional Reading: The Truth About Menopause: Debunking 6 Common Misconceptions Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Our miniseries on how stress affects the body concludes with a focus on gut health. In this episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Cuckoo Choudhary shares the ways stress shapes our digestive system and how it can affect gastrointestinal motility, sensitivity, gut microbiome and more.  Dr. Choudhary also discusses symptoms of stress-related GI issues and shares how some chronic GI disorders can be triggered or aggravated by stress in genetically predisposed individuals. We also talk about ways to maintain a healthy gut, including diet tips and stress techniques.     Resources:   Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Heart Episode (1/3)  Miniseries | How Stress Affects the Body: Nervous System Episode (2/3)  Making Healthy Food Choices: How to Read the Nutrition Facts Label  How to Recognize the Signs of and Prevent Burnout  Podcast: Dietitian Reviews TikTok Nutrition Trends, Diets and More  Podcast: Gastroenterologist Takes on Questions About Gut Health, Celiac Disease, Colonoscopies and More  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

Welcome to part two of our three-part series examining the effects of stress on the body. In this episode, neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Zhikui Wei discusses how stress specifically impacts how the nervous system functions, including the brain.      Dr. Wei explains the distinction between acute and chronic stress responses, delving into how both types of stress affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, tissue remodeling in the brain, and overall mental health. He also offers insights on recognizing symptoms of stress and shares tips for managing stress, including the mindfulness practice he uses to reduce stress in his life.  Resources:  Top Sleep Mistakes and How to Get Better Sleep  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean. 

Welcome to part one of our three-part series examining the effects of stress on the body. In this episode, interventional cardiologist Dr. David Fischman discusses how stress specifically impacts heart health. Dr. Fischman discusses the differences between acute and chronic stress on the heart and why taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Learn about broken heart syndrome and the symptoms of heart disease, plus, his tips on stress management. Resources: Cardiac Widow TikTok Free “How Healthy Is Your Heart” Assessment Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.

Navigating the world of diets and nutrition is no easy task, especially as new diets and trends fight for your attention on social media channels like TikTok and Instagram.   If you’ve ever wondered if the Keto Diet might be for you, if intermittent fasting could bring you to your weight loss goals, if juicing could help boost your nutritional intake and detox your body, or what exactly “girl dinner” means and how to make one, this episode featuring registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist Sara Hoffman is for you.   Sara breaks down diets and trends into three categories: trends to leave behind in 2023, those to approach with caution, and those that get a gold-star from Sara. Here are the trends and the minute-mark in which they are discussed:  Trends to leave behind in 2023:  Keto Diet: 2:05  Juicing: 8:25  Metabolism boosters: 12:00  Trends to approach with caution:  Meal replacement shakes/shake-based diets: 15:45  Plant-based diet: 18:25  Protein-packed foods and snacks: 23:05  Hydration boosters/WaterTok: 25:50  Weight loss medications: 28:10  Intermittent fasting: 33:35  Dietitian-approved trends:  “Girl Dinner”: 39:44  Adult Snack Box: 42:43  Mediterranean Diet: 44:35  Listen and subscribe to the Living Well Podcast by Jefferson Health on your preferred players: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean.